The US dismantled a dangerous Chinese spy network that targeted the heart of military defenses.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrest of two Chinese nationals on charges of espionage and attempting to recruit U.S. Navy personnel for Chinese intelligence services, as part of what it described as China's ongoing efforts to gather classified information about U.S. military capabilities.

DETAILS OF THE CHARGES

The defendants, Yuans Chen, 38, and Liren Lai, 39, faced a series of serious charges, including taking photographs of a U.S. naval base and coordinating money deliveries through secret locations. They were also accused of participating in attempts to recruit U.S. military personnel believed to be willing to cooperate with Chinese intelligence.

Both defendants face charges of acting as agents of the Chinese government, with a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if convicted, according to the department.

ARREST CIRCUMSTANCES AND BACKGROUND

Yuanes, a resident of Happy Valley, Oregon, who holds permanent residency in the United States, was arrested along with Liren, who arrived in Houston, Texas, last April on a tourist visa. The FBI carried out the arrests last Friday.

According to the criminal complaint, Youans was recruited to work for China's Ministry of State Security in 2021, indicating a long-term espionage operation.

THE BROADER CONTEXT OF THE CASE

The case, filed in federal court in San Francisco and unsealed last Monday, is part of a series of prosecutions targeting what U.S. officials describe as the Chinese government's active efforts to gather classified intelligence on U.S. military capabilities.

This case recalls the highly publicized Chinese spy balloon incident two years ago, which the United States shot down off the coast of South Carolina, clearly demonstrating the nature of these espionage practices.

OFFICIAL STATEMENTS

Attorney General Pam Bondi commented on the case, saying, "This case underscores the Chinese government's persistent and aggressive efforts to infiltrate our military and undermine our national security from within."

"The Department of Justice will not stand idly by while hostile nations plant spies on our soil. We will expose and hold accountable foreign agents, and protect the American people from covert threats to our national security."

This case reflects ongoing tensions in US-China relations, particularly in the areas of national security and intelligence. It highlights the US's intensified efforts to counter foreign espionage activities on its soil.